With the trends toward improving overall fitness and trying to achieve the “beach body” seen so often in the media, bodybuilding is no longer a sport reserved for athletes aspiring to compete in the Mr./Ms. Universe contest.

Bodybuilders are notorious for abusing their bodies through training.  They often “work through” pain and potentially further injury.  Muscle strains due to over-exertion and poor technique are extremely common. 

The risk of hernias is increased in those athletes who perform lifts under great stress while increasing their intra-abdominal pressure (internal abdominal pressure produced when straining).  Many of the athletes try to protect the lower abdominal area by wearing a weightlifting belt.  When worn properly, protective belts can help in protecting against injury.  Unfortunately, the muscles being protected are exactly the muscle that should be strengthened!  Too often, they are used as a crutch rather than a protective device. 

“Weightlifter’s Blackout” may be seen in athletes who inhale and exhale rapidly before a big lift.  This can cause an extremely dangerous situation for the athlete, exactly why an attentive and prepared spotter should always be used.

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS) may be experienced by those athletes who have over-developed their chest with respect to their back.  Often these athletes feel numbness or tingling in part of their hand.